The Panoramic View Of Waikiki From The Top of Diamond Head

Start your hiking adventure in Hawaii here!

Hiking is a very popular outdoor activity here in Hawaii. You see locals using hiking trails for their daily or weekly workout routines, or see them taking their dates on those beautiful hiking trails all around Oahu. If you are, though, a tourist that did not come fully prepared to hike, hiking Diamond Head would be a great way to experience an outdoor adventure in Hawaii. It is, indeed, the most popular hiking trail in Oahu.

It is an easy hike of 1 to 3 hours, depending on how slow you go up and down the hike. The route is only 1.5 miles, which is 2.6 kilometers, so even children and the elderly can join you with the hike. At some steep stairs, there are handrails for everyone to hold onto, so even you do not feel completely comfortable with heights, you will feel safe on this hiking trail.

Come prepared for Diamond Head crater hike

Something that is a little different from other hiking trails at Diamond Head crater hike, is that it is only open from 6:00am to 6:00pm daily. The last entry to the hiking trail is at 4:30pm so you want to manage time to hike if you want to go there. While many of the hiking trails around the island do not have a gate or set hours of operation, this hiking trail is different. You also want to pay 5 USD for parking, or if you are just walking in, it is 1 USD for entry. They only take cash, so do not forget to bring some! Because of the hours, depending on the time of the year, you cannot see the sunrise and sunset from Diamond Head, but it is still an easy, fun hike for hiking beginners who want to see the spectacular view from the top.

Tunnels, stairs and more!

While most of the hiking trail is in open air, there are a few areas of the hiking trail, which you need to go through dark tunnels and steep stairs. Since it is the most popular hiking trail in Oahu, you are most likely be sandwiched by other hikers in front, and back, so you will never be alone going into the dark tunnels. However, if you are scared of darkness and confined spaces, you want to be aware that there are few areas you have to pass through that will be dark and confined. Though afterwards, it is all so beautiful, with panoramic views in every direction you can imagine. Some of the stairs are also pretty steep. Those stairs, though, have handrails for everyone to hold onto, so you do not need to rush, but instead go slow and as steady as you wish. With these few fun areas, this Diamond Head crater hike makes everything a little more exciting, even though it is a short, simple hike.

See Waikiki from the top!

The reason why this hiking trail is so popular is because it is easy for anybody to do it, but also the beautiful view from the top is worth taking the hike. On a sunny day, you will be able to see beautiful panoramic views of Waikiki to the west from the top. You might even be able to spot the hotel you are staying in from the top of Diamond Head. After all, the beautiful blue ocean, blue sky, the rich green Kapiolani park looking greener, and the township of Waikiki, with high raised buildings, makes a spectacular view after a sweaty hike from the bottom.

Make sure to hydrate and put sunscreen on

Yes, it is indeed a quick hike, but most of the hiking trail is exposed to sunlight, so make sure to apply sunscreen and also bring water when you go on this hiking trail. Especially if you are not used to hiking in your daily routine, you better be prepared. If you finish drinking all of your water, no worries! At the entrance of this hiking trail, there is a store and a food truck waiting patiently for your return. You can choose to have a fresh smoothie, shaved ice, or just have water to hydrate. There is also a small store, which sells Diamond Head souvenirs, so you can prove to your friends and family back home that you were active and hiked in Hawaii!